Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Waco is 67% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,098/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 102%
$51,468/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 102%
$199,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 424%
$1,094/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 114%
141,925
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,120/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $13,440/year.

Median household income is $52,310/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Waco or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Pasadena?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,120/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $52,310/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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